I want the same! Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal inspired by Santi Cazorla

Nacho Monreal says that he is drawing inspiration from Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla after the defender joined the Gunners from Malaga on deadline day.

The 26-year-old sealed an £8m move to the north London side on Thursday, and the Spanish defender will compete with André Santos and Kieran Gibbs for the left-back spot.

Monreal moves to The Emirates less than six months after his former Malaga team-mate Cazorla joined Arsenal, and the Spain international is hoping to match the playmaker’s impact at the Gunners.

“Yes, I spoke to Santi, we had a long conversation about things,” Monreal told Arsenal’s website.

“I asked how things were here and he only had very positive things to say. He said that Arsenal was a massive club, the people are great and it’s really just a big family. He only had good things to say. I am sure we can be successful this season and I am really looking forward to the challenge.

“Yes it does [help that Cazorla has been a success]. It helps that I’ve been able to share a dressing room with him at Malaga, that everything’s gone well and that the people here have been incredible in welcoming me.

“As there’s a familiar face in Santi, I’m a lot calmer about things. Having shared a dressing room with someone who’s already made this journey is a good feeling. Now it’s my turn and I can’t wait to follow in his footsteps.”

Monreal also rubbished claims that he joined Arsenal because of the club’s Spanish connection, insisting the Gunners are a “massive club”.

“To be honest, when I was given the option to come here I went for it because it’s a massive club,” he added. “I didn’t even have to think about it.

“Of course, there are Spanish players here and a lot of youngsters, which this club is known to attract. I’m delighted to be able to train and play with those guys and I hope my stay here will be the best it possibly can.

“I’ve watched loads of Arsenal games and there have been legends that have played for this club. I know everything I can from watching the television and from what Santi has told me in this relatively short period of time.

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Read more on: Arsenal, Football transfers, malaga, nacho monreal, Premier League, Santi Cazorla.